West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone President Keith Burdette and Vice President Pat Ford pose for a photo at the World Chemical Forum in Texas. (Photo provided by PAZ)

DAVISVILLE – West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone President Keith Burdette and Vice President Pat Ford recently traveled to The Woodlands near Houston to attend the World Chemical Forum.

The Forum conference brought together industry leaders, suppliers, and researchers across chemical and energy sectors.

“Personal relationships play a powerful role in attracting new industry to our region. It starts there first,” Burdette said in a news release from the PAZ. “People do business with people they know and trust. Being with industry decision-makers gives us an opportunity to introduce ourselves and share why West Virginia is the right place to grow their business.”

PAZ works to grow manufacturing industries across 10 West Virginia counties along the Ohio River.

“Our presence at the World Chemical Forum focused on showcasing West Virginia’s advantages for polymer and chemical manufacturing,” said Ford. “We were able to discuss opportunities for collaboration and highlight how West Virginia is positioned as a prime location for polymer and chemical-based industries.”

The World Chemical Forum international conference. (Photo provided by PAZ)

The World Chemical Forum is a high-level international conference focused on the global chemical, polymer, and energy sectors, the release said. It brings together executives, analysts, policymakers, and innovators to discuss trends shaping the future of chemicals, petrochemicals, polymers and energy.

The West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone (PAZ) is the state’s largest regional economic development organization, spanning 10 counties along the Ohio River, from Wayne County in the south to Ohio County in the north.